EGR SYSTEM AND EGR VALVE WITH INTEGRATED PRESSURE SENSOR

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve having an integrated sensor, according to the preamble part of claim 1. Such a value is known from US2003/188531A1. A similar sensor arrangement is known from WO2006/06243 A1.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Valves having position sensors often have a set of predetermined valve positions that correlate to predetermined engine operating conditions. These predetermined conditions do not compensate for changes in operating conditions that are not part of the control unit's program. For example, as the components of the valve wear, contamination begins to build up inside the valve causing the flow of gas through the valve to be affected. The control unit has no way of adjusting operations in response. Therefore, there exists a need to compensate for changes in gas flow and adjust the position of the valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is a valve having a valve body with an inlet port and an outlet port and a valve disposed between the inlet port and outlet port. A sensor is operably associated with the valve and the valve body and measures a characteristic in proximity to the valve. The sensor communicates information regarding the characteristic to a control unit that sends position commands to the valve.

[0004] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 a schematic of an engine intake and exhaust system incorporating an exhaust gas return valve, according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view of a system with an EGR valve having a solenoid as an actuator, according to the present invention; and

Figure 3 is an exhaust gas return system having a pressure sensor incorporated into the EGR valve, and a pressure sensor located in the intake manifold, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is shown in Figure 1 generally at 10. The system 10 includes an engine 12 which has an intake manifold 14 and an exhaust manifold 16. The exhaust manifold 16 feeds exhaust gas from the engine 12 into a turbocharger unit 18. The turbocharger unit 18 has a turbine 20, and a compressor 22. The compressor 22 includes an inlet pipe 24 for receiving air from the atmosphere and feeding it into an intercooler 26. The intercooler 26 is connected to a throttle valve 28, the throttle valve 28 is used for controlling the flow of air into the intake manifold 14.

[0007] The system 10 also includes an EGR valve 30 for controlling the flow of exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold 16 to the intake manifold 14. There is a first conduit 32 which is connected between the exhaust manifold 14 and the EGR valve 30, and a second conduit 34 connected between the EGR valve 30 and the intake manifold 14. Both the throttle valve 28 and the EGR valve 30 are controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) 36.

[0008] Referring now to all of the figures, a cross sectional view of the EGR valve 30 is shown. The EGR valve 30 is actuated by an actuator 38. The actuator 38 in this embodiment is a solenoid. The EGR valve 30 has a valve body 40 with an inlet port 42 and an outlet port 44. Located between the inlet port 42 and the outlet port 44 is a valve 50 having a valve stem 52, and a valve member 54. The valve member 54 rests against the valve seat 56 when the valve 50 is in the closed position. The inlet port 42 is in fluid connection with the first conduit 32, and the outlet port 44 is in fluid connection with the second conduit 34.

[0009] Also included in the valve body 40 is a first passage 46 and a second passage 48; the valve seat 56 has a first side 58 and a second side 60. The first passage 46 is connected to the second side 60 of the valve seat 56 and the second passage 48 is connected to the first side 58 of the valve seat 56. The first passage 46 and second passage 48 are operably connected to the flow path through the valve body. A sensor 62, which in this embodiment is a pressure sensor, is integrated into the valve body 40, and is located in the first passage 46 and the second passage 48. The placement of the sensor 62 in the first passage 46 and second passage 48 allow the sensor 62 to take pressure readings on both sides of the valve 50. Furthermore, the sensor 62 can take readings with minimal intrusion into the flow path of the valve 50.

[0010] The valve stem 52 is connected to the solenoid 38 which acts on the valve stem 52 to move the valve member 54 between the open and closed position, or any other desired position therebetween, with respect to the valve seat 56. The amount of space created by the valve member 54 and the valve seat 56 when the valve member 54 is displaced from the valve seat 56 is referred to as an effective orifice 64. The effective orifice 64 is the amount of area available for the exhaust gas to flow through when it is flowing between the valve member 54 and the valve seat 56. This effective orifice 64 creates a restriction of exhaust gas flow, and a pressure drop across the valve member 54 and the valve seat 56. The size of the effective orifice 64 will vary, depending upon the position of the valve member 54 in relation to the valve seat 56. The size of the effective orifice 64 can range from zero, when the valve 50 is closed, to a size equal to or greater than the size of the valve seat 56, when the valve is fully open.

[0011] The actuator 38 also includes a position sensor 66 which provides a signal to the ECU 36 indicating the position of the valve member 54. This allows the ECU 36 to compare the position of the valve 50 and the pressure across the valve 50 simultaneously. It is not required that a position sensor 66 be used in order to determine the appropriate position of the valve 50. Rather the data collected by the sensor 62 can be enough for the ECU 36 to make a determination of how the valve 50 needs to be adjusted.

[0012] The embodiment shown in Figure 2 also shows a wiring harness 68 which is used to connect the sensor 62 to the ECU 36. However, the embodiment in Figure 2 includes the concept of having the sensor 62 having an alternate connection 70, which would allow the sensor 62 to be included in the connector 72. Having the single connector 72 for both the solenoid 38 and the sensor 62 simplifies the invention even further.

[0013] The actuator 38 shown in the present embodiment of the invention is a solenoid. It is within the scope of this invention for virtually any other type of actuator to be used that will cause the desired controlled movement of the valve 50 in response to the signal from the sensor 62, and if applicable, the position sensor 66. Examples of other types of actuators 38 include, but are not limited to, D.C. motors, stepper motors, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators or combinations thereof. The type of control signal generated by the ECU 36 to the actuator will depend on the type of actuator being used. For example, the control signal can be a stepped electrical pulse, an amplitude modulated signal, a pulse width modulated signal, or other electronic signals.

[0014] When the system 10 and valve 50 shown in Figs. 1-2 are operated, fresh air is fed into the intake pipe 24 and is compressed by the compressor 22, and fed into the intercooler 26. The air is then cooled by the intercooler 26, and flows through the throttle valve 28, through the intake manifold 14, and into the engine 12. The amount of air which flows into the intake manifold 14 is controlled by the throttle valve 28.

[0015] The compressor 22 is powered by the turbine 20. Once the fresh air is received by the engine 12 is combined with fuel, compressed, combusted and converted to exhaust gas. The turbine 20 receives the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold 16, and the energy from the exhaust gas is used to power the turbine 20. That power is transferred to the compressor 22, where the compressor compresses fresh air.

[0016] A portion of the exhaust gas does not flow to the turbine 20. Some of the exhaust gas is recirculated back into the intake manifold and is fed into the engine 12. This portion of exhaust gas will flow from the exhaust manifold 16 into the first conduit 32 and into the EGR valve 30. Once the gas flows through the EGR valve 30, it will flow into the second conduit 34, and into the intake manifold 14.

[0017] The EGR valve 30 controls the amount of exhaust gas that is recirculated from the exhaust manifold 16 to the intake manifold 14. The EGR valve 30 and the throttle valve 28 are both controlled by the vehicle's ECU 36. The ECU 36 controls the amount of fresh air going into the intake manifold 14 through the use of the throttle valve 28, and also controls the amount of exhaust gas which is recirculated through the use of the EGR valve 30. The sensor 62 measures a characteristic in proximity to the valve 50 relative to the valve position and flow. The sensor 62 as shown in Fig. 2 is a pressure sensor that measures pressure at the first side 58 and second side 60 of the valve 50. The sensor 62 then transmits a signal to the ECU 36. Using the information from the signal the ECU 36 determines whether the valve 50 needs to change position or be maintained. The desired position of the valve 50 is achieved by the ECU 36 adjusting the control signal to the actuator 38.

[0018] It should be noted that the characteristic measured is not necessarily limited to pressure; the characteristic could also be mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate, temperature, air particulate content, contamination, density, or any other type of characteristic which can be used to provide an indication of gas flow. The sensor 62 could be any type of sensor used to measure the specific characteristics listed above on the first side 58 and the second side 60 of the valve seat 56.

[0019] The pressure drop can be used to calculate the amount of exhaust gas flowing through the effective orifice 64. The sensor 62 will then provide a signal to the ECU 36; the ECU 36 will then determine if the valve 50 position and control signal must change to achieve the desired exhaust gas flow through EGR valve 30. In this embodiment, ECU 36 is programmed with a map of engine 12 operating conditions, or a set of predetermined operating conditions for the valve 50, and a desired exhaust gas flow for each condition. There is an associated EGR valve 30 control signal and sensor 62 signal for each level of exhaust gas flow. The ECU 36 will receive the pressure inputs from the sensor 62 and the position sensor 66, and determine the control signal required to achieve the desired position of valve 50 in EGR valve 30, and provide the required amount of exhaust gas flow. The ECU 36 will adjust the position of the valve 50 to achieve or maintain the proper amount of exhaust gas flow through the EGR valve 30.

[0020] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3 which includes a separate sensor 74 used to determine the exhaust gas pressure in the intake manifold 14 and ascend side 60 of valve seat 56. The sensor 62 will then determine the level of pressure on the first side 58 of the valve seat 56. The pressure measurement taken by the sensor 62 and the separate sensor 74 can also provide an indication of pressure differential, and therefore determine the amount of exhaust gas flow.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in phantom in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the first conduit 32 is connected to the turbine 20, instead of the exhaust manifold 16, and the second conduit 34 is connected to the inlet pipe 24 of the compressor 22. In this mode of operation, the EGR valve 30 is a "low-pressure" valve, because it is located downstream from the turbine 20, and upstream from the compressor 22. After the exhaust gas flows through the turbine 20, the exhaust gas will flow through the first conduit 32, and if the EGR valve 30 is open, the exhaust gas will flow through the EGR valve 30, through the second conduit 34, and into the inlet pipe 24. If the EGR valve 30 is closed, the exhaust gas in the first conduit 32 will flow out of an outlet pipe 76.

[0022] The present invention has the advantage of measuring exhaust gas flow and adjusting the size of the effective orifice 64 accordingly to ensure the exhaust gas flow is correct for each of the engine operating conditions. This presents a significant advantage over EGR systems which use a set of predetermined valve positions for each engine operating parameter which do not take into account contamination, wear, assembly tolerances, and other external factors which can affect the flow of exhaust gas through the valve 50. These types of EGR valves infer flow from the position of the valve. The present invention has the distinct advantage of taking an actual measurement of gas pressure, and adjusting the flow of the gas to compensate for contamination, wear, assembly tolerances, and other factors affecting the flow of the gas. Essentially, the ECU 36 is using feedback from the sensor 62 and position sensor 66 to ensure there is optimal exhaust gas flow for each engine operating condition.

[0023] It should be noted that the position sensor 66 can be eliminated if necessary to suit a specific application. The sensor 62 can be used to provide feedback to the ECU 36, and the ECU 36 will adjust the position of the valve 50 until the proper amount of exhaust gas flow is achieved. The actuator could also be a hydraulic actuator (not shown) where hydraulic pressure would be used to .actuate the valve 50.

[0024] In addition to the sensor 62 being physically integrated into the EGR valve 30, the sensor 62 can also be electrically integrated in that there can be a single electrical connector which can be used for both the EGR valve 30 and the sensor 62.

Claims

1. A valve unit (30), comprising:

- a valve body (40) having an inlet port (42), and an outlet port (44);

- a valve (50) disposed between said inlet port (42), and said outlet port (44), said valve (50) having a first side (58) and a second side (60);

- a sensor (62) operably associated with said first side (58) and second side (60) of said valve (50) at said valve body (40) wherein said sensor (62) measures a characteristic in proximity to said valve (50);

- a control unit (36) for controlling said valve (50), wherein said sensor (62) communicates information regarding said characteristic to said control unit (36); characterized in:

- a first passage (48) extending through said valve body (40) to said first side (58) of said valve, said sensor (62) partially extending into said first passage (46);

- a second passage (46) extending through said valve body (40) to said second side (60) of said valve (50), said sensor (62) partially extending into said second passage (48); and

- wherein said sensor (62) measures said characteristic in proximity to said valve (50) such that said sensor (62) measures said characteristic in said first passage (48), and said characteristic in said second passage (46), and said control unit determines whether said valve changes position or maintains position based on said information regarding said characteristic.

2. The valve unit of claim 1, further comprising an actuator (38) for changing the position of said valve.

3. The valve unit of claim 2, wherein said actuator (38) is one selected from the group comprising a D.C. motor, a solenoid, a stepper motor, a pneumatic actuator, or a hydraulic actuator.

4. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein said control unit (36) commands said valve (50) to change position through the use of a control signal, said control signal is one selected from a group comprising a stepped electrical pulse, a pulse width modulated signal, or an amplitude modulated signal.

5. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein said control unit (36) will verify the position of said valve (50) to maintain the amount of said characteristic in proximity to said valve.

6. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein when said sensor (62) determines a fluctuation in said characteristic in proximity to said valve (50), said control unit (36) adjusts said valve (50) so a desired constant amount of said characteristic is maintained.

7. The valve unit of claim 1, further comprising an effective orifice (64), created by the position of said valve (50) used for delivering a gas from said inlet port (42), to said outlet port (44).

8. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein said valve (50) further comprises a valve seat (56) and a valve member (54).

9. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein said sensor (62) communicates information regarding said characteristic on said first side (58) of said valve (50) and said second side (66) of said valve (50) to said control unit (36), and said control unit (36) sends position commands to said valve (50).

10. The valve unit of claim 1, further comprising a position sensor (66) for providing the position of said valve to said control unit.

11. The valve unit of claim 10, wherein said control unit (36) adjusts the position of said valve (50) based on the communication of the amount of said characteristic determined by said sensor (62) and the communication of the position of said valve from said position sensor (66).

12. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein said characteristic is one selected from the group comprising pressure, mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate, temperature, air particulate content, contamination, or density.

13. The valve unit of claim 1, further comprising:

a turbocharger (18) having a turbine (20) and a compressor (22), said turbine operably associated with said compressor, wherein said inlet port is in fluid communication with said turbine, and said outlet port is selectively in fluid communication with said compressor.

14. The valve unit of claim 13, further comprising said inlet port (42) receiving exhaust gas at a location upstream of said turbine (20), and said outlet port (44) distributing exhaust gas downstream of said compressor (22).

15. The valve unit of claim 13, further comprising said inlet port (42) receiving exhaust gas at a location downstream of said turbine (20), and said outlet port (44) distributing exhaust gas upstream of said turbine (20).

16. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein an actuator is provided that is one selected from the group comprising a D.C. motor, a stepper motor, a solenoid, a pneumatic actuator, and a hydraulic actuator.

17. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein and said valve is further comprised of a valve stem and a valve member.

18. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein said control unit further includes a set of operating conditions, and said control unit commands said actuator to adjust the position of said valve such that proper exhaust gas flow is achieved for each of said operating conditions.

19. The valve unit of claim 1, wherein said control signal is one selected from the group comprising a stepped electrical pulse, a pulse width modulated signal, or an amplitude modulated signal.

20. The valve unit of claim 1, further comprising a turbocharger unit having a turbine and a compressor, said inlet port in fluid communication with said turbocharger, and said outlet port is selectively in fluid communication with said compressor.

21. The valve unit of claim 20, wherein said inlet port is in fluid communication with said turbine upstream of said turbine, and said outlet port is selectively in fluid communication with said compressor downstream of said compressor.

22. The valve unit of claim 20, wherein said inlet port in is fluid communication with said turbine downstream of said turbine, and said outlet port is selectively in fluid communication with said compressor upstream of said compressor.

23. A method for controlling the flow of gas through a valve unit, comprising the steps of:

- providing a valve body having an inlet port, and an outlet port;

- providing a first passage integrally formed as part of said valve body;

- providing a second passage integrally formed as part of said valve body;

- providing a valve operably associated with a valve seat, said valve and valve seat disposed between said inlet port and said outlet port;

- providing an actuator for positioning said valve;

- providing a first pressure sensor for providing a first gas pressure measurement in proximity to a first side of said valve, providing a second pressure sensor for providing a second gas pressure measurement in proximity to a second side of said valve;

- providing a control unit for receiving said at least one gas pressure measurements, and controlling said actuator;

- partially disposing said first pressure sensor in said first passage;

- partially disposing said second pressure sensor in said second passage;

- creating an effective orifice with said valve seat and said valve;

- monitoring the gas pressures in proximity of said valve;

- sending a signal to said control unit;

- sending a control signal from said control unit to said actuator to change the position of said valve based on said gas pressure, and

- determining whether said valve changes position or maintains position based on said information regarding said characteristic.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

- providing said valve with a valve stem and a valve member; and

- changing the position of said valve stem and said valve member by activating said actuator and moving said valve member with respect to said valve seat.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

- providing a position sensor operably associated with said valve;

- sending said data signal from said pressure sensor to said control unit;

- sending a position signal from said position sensor to said control unit;

- sending said control signal from said control unit to said actuator; and

- changing the position of said valve based on said data signal received from said pressure sensor, and said position signal received from said position sensor.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

- providing a turbocharger unit having a turbine and a compressor;

- placing said inlet port in fluid communication with said turbine; and

- placing said outlet port selectively in fluid communication with said compressor.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

- placing said inlet port in fluid communication with said turbine at a location upstream of said turbine; and

- placing said outlet port selectively in fluid communication with said compressor at a location downstream of said compressor.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

- placing said inlet port in fluid communication with said turbine at a location downstream of said turbine; and

- placing said outlet port selectively in fluid communication with said compressor at a location upstream of said compressor.

Ansprüche

1. Ventileinheit (30), die Folgendes umfasst:

- einen Ventilkörper (40) mit einer Einlassöffnung (42) und einer Auslassöffnung (44);

- ein Ventil (50), das zwischen der Einlassöffnung (42) und der Auslassöffnung (44) angeordnet ist, wobei das Ventil (50) eine erste Seite (58) und eine zweite Seite (60) aufweist;

- einen Sensor (62), der der ersten Seite (58) und der zweiten Seite (60) des Ventils (50) am Ventilkörper (40) wirkzugeordnet ist, wobei der Sensor (62) eine Eigenschaft nahe dem Ventil (50) misst;

- eine Steuereinheit (36) zur Steuerung des Ventils (50), wobei der Sensor (62) der Steuereinheit (36) Informationen über die Eigenschaft kommuniziert; gekennzeichnet durch

- einen ersten Kanal (48), der sich durch den Ventilkörper (40) zu der ersten Seite (58) des Ventils erstreckt, wobei sich der Sensor (62) teilweise in den ersten Kanal (46) erstreckt;

- einen zweiten Kanal (46), der sich durch den Ventilkörper (40) zur zweiten Seite (60) des Ventils (50) erstreckt, wobei sich der Sensor (62) teilweise in den zweiten Kanal (48) erstreckt; und

- wobei der Sensor (62) die Eigenschaft nahe dem Ventil (50) misst, derart, dass der Sensor (62) die Eigenschaft in dem ersten Kanal (48) und die Eigenschaft in dem zweiten Kanal (46) misst; und die Steuereinheit auf Grundlage von Informationen über die Eigenschaft bestimmt, ob das Ventil seine Position ändert oder seine Position beibehält.

2. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, die weiterhin einen Aktuator (38) zum Ändern der Position des Ventils umfasst.

3. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Aktuator (38) aus der einen Gleichstrommotor, einen Elektromagneten, einen Schrittmotor, einen pneumatischen Aktuator oder einen hydraulischen Aktuator umfassenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.

4. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinheit (36) das Ventil (50) durch Verwendung eines Steuersignals zur Änderung der Position ansteuert, wobei das Steuersignal aus der einen abgestuften elektrischen Impuls, ein pulsbreitenmoduliertes Signal oder ein amplitudenmoduliertes Signal umfassenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.

5. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinheit (36) die Position des Ventils (50) zum Aufrechterhalten der Höhe der Eigenschaft nahe dem Ventil verifiziert.

6. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinheit (36) das Ventil (50) so einstellt, dass eine konstante Sollhöhe der Eigenschaft aufrechterhalten wird, wenn der Sensor (62) eine Schwankung der Eigenschaft nahe dem Ventil (50) ermittelt.

7. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, die weiterhin einen effektiven Durchlass (64) umfasst, der durch die Position des Ventils (50) erzeugt wird und zur Abgabe eines Gases aus der Einlassöffnung (42) zur Auslassöffnung (44) verwendet wird.

8. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Ventil (50) weiterhin einen Ventilsitz (56) und ein Ventilglied (54) umfasst.

9. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Sensor (62) Informationen über die Eigenschaft auf der ersten Seite (58) des Ventils (50) und auf der zweiten Seite (66) des Ventils (50) an die Steuereinheit (36) kommuniziert und die Steuereinheit (36) Positionsbefehle zu dem Ventil (50) sendet.

10. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, die weiterhin einen Positionssensor (66) zur Zuführung der Position des Ventils an die Steuereinheit umfasst.

11. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Steuereinheit (36) die Position des Ventils (50) auf Grundlage der Kommunikation der Höhe der durch den Sensor (62) ermittelten Eigenschaft und der Kommunikation der Position des Ventils vom Positionssensor (66) einstellt.

12. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Eigenschaft aus der Druck, Massendurchfluss, volumetrischen Durchfluss, Temperatur, Luftpartikelgehalt, Verunreinigung oder Dichte umfassenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.

13. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, die weiterhin Folgendes umfasst:

einen Turbolader (18) mit einer Turbine(20) und einem Verdichter (22), wobei die Turbine dem Verdichter wirkzugeordnet ist, wobei die Einlassöffnung mit der Turbine in Strömungsverbindung steht und die Auslassöffnung mit dem Verdichter gezielt in Strömungsverbindung steht.

14. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 13, die weiterhin die Einlassöffnung (42), die Abgas an einer stromaufwärts der Turbine (20) gelegenen Stelle empfängt, und die Auslassöffnung (44), die Abgas stromabwärts des Verdichters (22) abgibt, umfasst.

15. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 13, die weiterhin die Einlassöffnung (42), die Abgas an einer stromabwärts der Turbine (20) gelegenen Stelle empfängt, und die Auslassöffnung (44), die Abgas stromaufwärts der Turbine (20) abgibt, umfasst.

16. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein Aktuator vorgesehen ist, der aus der einen Gleichstrommotor, einen Schrittmotor, einen Elektromagneten, einen pneumatischen Aktuator und einen hydraulischen Aktuator umfassenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.

17. Ventil nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Ventil weiterhin aus einem Ventilschaft und einem Ventilglied gebildet ist.

18. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinheit weiterhin einen Satz von Betriebsbedingungen enthält und die Steuereinheit den Aktuator dazu ansteuert, die Position des Ventils so einzustellen, dass ein ordnungsgemäßer Abgasstrom für jede der Betriebsbedingungen erreicht wird.

19. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Steuersignal aus der einen abgestuften elektrischen Impuls, ein pulsbreitenmoduliertes Signal oder ein amplitudenmoduliertes Signal umfassenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.

20. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 1, die weiterhin eine Turboladereinheit umfasst, die eine Turbine und einen Verdichter aufweist, wobei die Einlassöffnung mit dem Turbolader in Strömungsverbindung steht und die Auslassöffnung mit dem Verdichter gezielt in Strömungsverbindung steht.

21. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 20, wobei die Einlassöffnung stromaufwärts der Turbine mit der Turbine in Strömungsverbindung steht und die Auslassöffnung stromabwärts des Verdichters mit dem Verdichter gezielt in Strömungsverbindung steht.

22. Ventileinheit nach Anspruch 20, wobei die Einlassöffnung stromabwärts der Turbine mit der Turbine in Strömungsverbindung steht und die Auslassöffnung stromaufwärts des Verdichters mit dem Verdichter gezielt in Strömungsverbindung steht.

23. Verfahren zur Steuerung eines Gasstroms durch eine Ventileinheit, das die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Bereitstellen eines Ventilkörpers mit einer Einlassöffnung und einer Auslassöffnung;

- Bereitstellen eines ersten Kanals, der integral als Teil des Ventilkörpers ausgebildet ist;

- Bereitstellen eines zweiten Kanals, der integral als Teil des Ventilkörpers ausgebildet ist;

- Bereitstellen eines Ventils, das einem Ventilsitz wirkzugeordnet ist, wobei das Ventil und der Ventilsitz zwischen der Einlassöffnung und der Auslassöffnung angeordnet sind;

- Bereitstellen eines Aktuators zur Positionierung des Ventils;

- Bereitstellen eines ersten Drucksensors zur Bereitstellung einer ersten Gasdruckmessung nahe einer ersten Seite des Ventils, Bereitstellen eines zweiten Drucksensors zur Bereitstellung einer zweiten Gasdruckmessung nahe einer zweiten Seite des Ventils;

- Bereitstellen einer Steuereinheit zum Empfang mindestens einer Gasdruckmessung und zum Steuern des Aktuators;

- teilweises Anordnen des ersten Drucksensors in dem ersten Kanal;

- teilweises Anordnen des zweiten Drucksensors in dem zweiten Kanal;

- Erzeugen eines effektiven Durchlasses mit dem Ventilsitz und dem Ventil;

- Überwachen der Gasdrücke nahe dem Ventil;

- Senden eines Signals zur Steuereinheit;

- Senden eines Steuersignals von der Steuereinheit zum Aktuator zur Änderung der Position des Ventils auf Grundlage des Gasdrucks, und

- Ermitteln, ob das Ventil seine Position ändert oder seine Position beibehält auf Grundlage der Informationen über die Eigenschaft.

24. Verfahren nach Anspruch 23, das weiterhin die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Bereitstellen des Ventils mit einem Ventilschaft und einem Ventilglied; und

- Ändern der Position des Ventilschafts und des Ventilglieds durch Aktivieren des Aktuators und Bewegen des Ventilglieds bezüglich des Ventilsitzes.

25. Verfahren nach Anspruch 23, das weiterhin die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Bereitstellen eines Positionssensors, der dem Ventil wirkzugeordnet ist;

- Senden des Datensignals von dem Drucksensor zu der Steuereinheit;

- Senden eines Positionssignals von dem Positionssensor zu der Steuereinheit;

- Senden des Steuersignals von der Steuereinheit zu dem Aktuator; und

- Ändern der Position des Ventils auf Grundlage des von dem Drucksensor empfangenen Datensignals und des von dem Positionssensor empfangenen Positionssignals.

26. Verfahren nach Anspruch 23, das weiterhin die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Bereitstellen einer Turboladereinheit mit einer Turbine und einem Verdichter;

- Platzieren der Einlassöffnung in Strömungsverbindung mit der Turbine; und

- gezieltes Platzieren der Auslassöffnung in Strömungsverbindung mit dem Verdichter.

27. Verfahren nach Anspruch 26, das weiterhin die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Platzieren der Einlassöffnung in Strömungsverbindung mit der Turbine an einer stromaufwärts der Turbine gelegenen Stelle; und

- gezieltes Platzieren der Auslassöffnung in Strömungsverbindung mit dem Verdichter an einer stromabwärts des Verdichters gelegenen Stelle.

28. Verfahren nach Anspruch 26, das weiterhin die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Platzieren der Einlassöffnung in Strömungsverbindung mit der Turbine an einer stromabwärts der Turbine gelegenen Stelle; und

- gezieltes Platzieren der Auslassöffnung in Strömungsverbindung mit dem Verdichter an einer stromaufwärts des Verdichters gelegenen Stelle.

Revendications

1. Unité (30) de soupape comportant :

- un corps (40) de soupape doté d'un orifice (42) d'entrée et d'un orifice (44) de sortie ;

- une soupape (50) disposée entre ledit orifice (42) d'entrée et ledit orifice (44) de sortie, ladite soupape (50) présentant une première face (58) et une deuxième face (60) ;

- un capteur (62) associé fonctionnellement à ladite première face (58) et à ladite deuxième face (60) de ladite soupape (50) au niveau dudit corps (40) de soupape, ledit capteur (62) mesurant une caractéristique à proximité de ladite soupape (50) ;

- une unité (36) de commande servant à commander ladite soupape (50), ledit capteur (62) communiquant des informations concernant ladite caractéristique à ladite unité (36) de commande ;
caractérisée par :

- un premier passage (48) s'étendant à travers ledit corps (40) de soupape jusqu'à ladite première face (58) de ladite soupape, ledit capteur (62) s'étendant partiellement jusque dans ledit premier passage (46) ;

- un second passage (46) s'étendant à travers ledit corps (40) de soupape jusqu'à ladite deuxième face (60) de ladite soupape (50), ledit capteur (62) s'étendant partiellement jusque dans ledit second passage (48) ; et

- ledit capteur (62) mesurant ladite caractéristique à proximité de ladite soupape (50) de telle manière que ledit capteur (62) mesure ladite caractéristique dans ledit premier passage (48) et ladite caractéristique dans ledit second passage (46) et que ladite unité de commande détermine si ladite soupape change de position ou maintient sa position en se basant sur lesdites informations concernant ladite caractéristique.

2. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre un actionneur (38) servant à modifier la position de ladite soupape.

3. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 2, ledit actionneur (38) étant choisi dans le groupe constitué d'un moteur à c.c., d'un solénoïde, d'un moteur pas à pas, d'un actionneur pneumatique et d'un actionneur hydraulique.

4. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, ladite unité (36) de commande commandant le changement de position de ladite soupape (50) en utilisant un signal de commande, ledit signal de commande étant choisi dans le groupe constitué d'une impulsion électrique étagée, d'un signal modulé en largeur d'impulsions et d'un signal modulé en amplitude.

5. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, ladite unité (36) de commande confirmant la position de ladite soupape (50) pour maintenir la valeur de ladite caractéristique à proximité de ladite soupape.

6. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que, lorsque ledit capteur (62) détermine une fluctuation de ladite caractéristique à proximité de ladite soupape (50), ladite unité (36) de commande règle ladite soupape (50) de façon à maintenir une valeur constante souhaitée de ladite caractéristique.

7. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre un orifice utile (64), créé par la position de ladite soupape (50) utilisée pour amener un gaz dudit orifice (42) d'entrée audit orifice (44) de sortie.

8. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, ladite soupape (50) comportant en outre un siège (56) de soupape et un élément (54) de soupape.

9. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, ledit capteur (62) communiquant des informations concernant ladite caractéristique sur ladite première face (58) de ladite soupape (50) et ladite deuxième face (66) de ladite soupape (50) à ladite unité (36) de commande et ladite unité (36) de commande envoyant des consignes de position à ladite soupape (50).

10. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre un capteur (66) de position servant à transmettre la position de ladite soupape à ladite unité de commande.

11. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 10, ladite unité (36) de commande réglant la position de ladite soupape (50) en se basant sur la communication de la valeur de ladite caractéristique déterminée par ledit capteur (62) et la communication de la position de ladite soupape en provenance dudit capteur (66) de position.

12. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, ladite caractéristique étant choisie dans le groupe constitué d'une pression, d'un débit massique, d'un débit volumétrique, d'une température, d'une teneur de l'air en matières particulaires, d'une contamination et d'une masse volumique.

13. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre :

un turbocompresseur (18) muni d'une turbine (20) et d'un compresseur (22), ladite turbine étant associée fonctionnellement audit compresseur, ledit orifice d'entrée étant en communication fluidique avec ladite turbine et ledit orifice de sortie étant sélectivement en communication fluidique avec ledit compresseur.

14. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 13, comportant en outre ledit orifice (42) d'entrée recevant un gaz d'échappement à un emplacement situé en amont de ladite turbine (20) et ledit orifice (44) de sortie répartissant du gaz d'échappement en aval dudit compresseur (22).

15. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 13, comportant en outre ledit orifice (42) d'entrée recevant un gaz d'échappement à un emplacement situé en aval de ladite turbine (20) et ledit orifice (44) de sortie répartissant du gaz d'échappement en amont de ladite turbine (20).

16. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, incorporant un actionneur choisi dans le groupe constitué d'un moteur à c.c., d'un moteur pas à pas, d'un solénoïde, d'un actionneur pneumatique et d'un actionneur hydraulique.

17. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, ladite soupape étant en outre constituée d'une tige de soupape et d'un élément de soupape.

18. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, ladite unité de commande possédant en outre un ensemble d'états de fonctionnement et ladite unité de commande commandant ledit actionneur de façon à régler la position de ladite soupape de façon à réaliser un écoulement correct du gaz d'échappement pour chacun desdits états de fonctionnement.

19. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, ledit signal de commande étant choisi dans le groupe constitué d'une impulsion électrique étagée, d'un signal modulé en largeur d'impulsions et d'un signal modulé en amplitude.

20. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre une unité de turbocompresseur munie d'une turbine et d'un compresseur, ledit orifice d'entrée étant en communication fluidique avec ledit turbocompresseur et ledit orifice de sortie étant sélectivement en communication fluidique avec ledit compresseur.

21. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 20, ledit orifice d'entrée étant en communication fluidique avec ladite turbine en amont de ladite turbine et ledit orifice de sortie étant sélectivement en communication fluidique avec ledit compresseur en aval dudit compresseur.

22. Unité de soupape selon la revendication 20, ledit orifice d'entrée étant en communication fluidique avec ladite turbine en aval de ladite turbine et ledit orifice de sortie étant sélectivement en communication fluidique avec ledit compresseur en amont dudit compresseur.

23. Procédé de régulation du débit de gaz à travers une unité de soupape, comportant les étapes consistant à :

- mettre en place un corps de soupape doté d'un orifice d'entrée et d'un orifice de sortie ;

- mettre en place un premier passage formé comme une partie intégrante dudit corps de soupape ;

- mettre en place un deuxième passage formé comme une partie intégrante de dudit corps de soupape ;

- mettre en place une soupape associée fonctionnellement à un siège de soupape, ladite soupape et ledit siège de soupape étant disposés entre ledit orifice d'entrée et ledit orifice de sortie ;

- mettre en place un actionneur servant à positionner ladite soupape ;

- mettre en place un premier capteur de pression servant à effectuer une première mesure de pression de gaz à proximité d'une première face de ladite soupape, mettre en place un deuxième capteur de pression servant à effectuer une deuxième mesure de pression de gaz à proximité d'une deuxième face de ladite soupape ;

- mettre en place une unité de commande servant à recevoir ladite ou lesdites mesures de pression de gaz et à commander ledit actionneur ;

- disposer partiellement ledit premier capteur de pression dans ledit premier passage ;

- disposer partiellement ledit deuxième capteur de pression dans ledit second passage ;

- créer un orifice utile à l'aide dudit siège de soupape et de ladite soupape ;

- surveiller les pressions de gaz à proximité de ladite soupape ;

- envoyer un signal à ladite unité de commande ;

- envoyer un signal de commande de ladite unité de commande audit actionneur pour modifier la position de ladite soupape en se basant sur ladite pression de gaz, et

- déterminer si ladite soupape change de position ou maintient sa position en se basant sur lesdites informations concernant ladite caractéristique.

24. Procédé selon la revendication 23, comportant en outre les étapes consistant à :

- munir ladite soupape d'une tige de soupape et d'un élément de soupape ; et

- modifier la position de ladite tige de soupape et dudit élément de soupape en activant ledit actionneur et en déplaçant ledit élément de soupape par rapport audit siège de soupape.

25. Procédé selon la revendication 23, comportant en outre les étapes consistant à :

- mettre en place un capteur de position associé fonctionnellement à ladite soupape ;

- envoyer ledit signal de données dudit capteur de pression à ladite unité de commande ;

- envoyer un signal de position dudit capteur de position à ladite unité de commande ;

- envoyer ledit signal de commande de ladite unité de commande audit actionneur ; et

- modifier la position de ladite soupape en se basant sur ledit signal de données reçu dudit capteur de pression et sur ledit signal de position reçu dudit capteur de position.

26. Procédé selon la revendication 23, comportant en outre les étapes consistant à :

- mettre en place une unité de turbocompresseur munie d'une turbine et d'un compresseur ;

- placer ledit orifice d'entrée en communication fluidique avec ladite turbine ; et

- placer ledit orifice de sortie sélectivement en communication fluidique avec ledit compresseur.

27. Procédé selon la revendication 26, comportant en outre les étapes consistant à :

- placer ledit orifice d'entrée en communication fluidique avec ladite turbine à un emplacement situé en amont de ladite turbine ; et

- placer ledit orifice de sortie sélectivement en communication fluidique avec ledit compresseur à un emplacement situé en aval dudit compresseur.

28. Procédé selon la revendication 26, comportant en outre les étapes consistant à :

- placer ledit orifice d'entrée en communication fluidique avec ladite turbine à un emplacement situé en aval de ladite turbine ; et

- placer ledit orifice de sortie sélectivement en communication fluidique avec ledit compresseur à un emplacement situé en amont dudit compresseur.

Drawing